Purpose

To seek approval
for ceasing the Social Prescribing Service and for the funding to
be reallocated to build capacity within the Public Health team
through a structure re-organisation.

Decision

RESOLVED that the Executive Member, with
delegated authority, support the proposal to cease the Social
Prescribing Service and for the funding to be reallocated to build
capacity within the Public Health team through a structure
re-organisation.

Reasons for the decision

 
The public health grant in Bracknell Forest is
one of the lowest in the country. This means that the efficiency of
the establishment is key in delivering the statutory and mandated
public health responsibilities. Without a large grant, investing in
large-scale population health programmes outside of the core
prescribed and non-prescribed services (i.e. public health nursing,
sexual health services, smoking cessation services and drug and
alcohol treatment services) is challenging. Therefore, adopting a
Health in All Policies approach becomes even more critical in
Bracknell Forest to influence health improvement and protection
across the organisation and wider system and improve health
outcomes for our residents and local communities.
 
The proposal to stop the service forms part of
wider transformation and redesign and a refocus of funding to take
a Health in All Policies approach and use of the resources to
deliver core public health functions, with an emphasis on
prevention.
 
The conditions of use of the public health
grant are clear. Mandated and non-mandated functions are clearly
set out and while social prescribing could be considered to
contribute public health outcomes, its primary purpose lies within
improving mental wellbeing and preventing escalation of social care
needs.
 
The social prescribing service has delivered
against the outcomes set in the Joint Health and Wellbeing
Strategy. As we move to the end of the Strategy, this proposal
aligns to the ambition to transform to a community led model, as
set out in the appended “Bracknell Forest Community
Ties” report.

Alternative options considered

Consideration was given to proposals to
continue the service or commission out a service using the funds.
Having reviewed the conditions of the public health grant,
alongside the vision of a Health in All Policies approach, it is
clear that continuation of the service should not be recommended.
The skill mix and capacity required within the public health team
to deliver the statutory public health duties of the local
authority means a social prescribing service is not affordable.
Continuation of the service is not an option if we are to ensure
the public health grant is used appropriately to fund provision
according to need and priority prevention work.
 
In addition, a broader system wide review was
undertaken comprising leads from public health, primary care,
voluntary and community sector, mental health and health and social
care. This review concluded that the locally there is a wide range
of services offering similar support, including universal offer
through primary care and GP practices. It also identified
opportunities to build on the social prescribing
‘offer’ to existing and new areas being developed and
delivered by the council, for example Thriving Communities and
Communities Strategy. Please refer to the “Bracknell Forest
Community Ties” report appended.